International wine and spirits exhibition Vinexpo announced that it will be increasing its presence in the Asia-Pacific wine market with the launch of Vinexpo Nippon. At the two day event in November, Vinexpo Nippon will host 200 international exhibitors in a 21,500 square foot space.
Auction of Washington Wines announced Aimee Sheridan as its new executive director. Sheridan brings more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership to the role, previously raising financial support for organizations such as Boys & Girls Clubs and The Salvation Army. As executive director, she will head up organizational management, strategic planning and fundraising. The 2014 Auction of Washington Wines will take place August 15-17.
Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) is making its internal wine training program available to the public at the Institute of Culinary Education. Led by John Ragan, USHG’s Wine Director and Master Sommelier, this is the same program that the group’s sommeliers have undergone. The 10-week course costs $1,750 and begins in March.
Walla Walla, Washington-based winemaker Charles Smith Wines recently named David Lawrence chief financial officer and Lisa Mauer director of southeast sales. Lawrence has served as chief financial officer for Napa’s Luna Vineyards, and held leadership roles at Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and the Wine Service Co-Operative. The Charles Smith portfolio includes Charles Smith Wines, K Vintners and Secco Italian Bubbles, as well as Charles & Charles, a joint venture between Charles Smith, Charles Bieler and Trinchero Family Estates.
Edgar M. Bronfman, noted philanthropist and former chairman of Seagram Company, died on Saturday at his home in Manhattan. He was 84 years old. Edgar headed Seagram Company following the 1971 death of his father and Seagram founder, Samuel Bronfman. While at the helm, Edgar is credited with diversifying the multinational company by buying interests in companies like Tropicana, chemical company, DuPont and even bought shares in Metro Goldwyn Mayer. Bronfman is survived by his six children and 24 grandchildren. His son, Edgar Bronfman, Jr., has been Seagram’s chief executive officer since 1994.